Surgery FAQs

What should I expect after foot and ankle surgery?

Most commonly, after foot and ankle surgery, your extremity will be immobilized in either a cast or a splint. This device will be left on until your first postoperative appointment in 7-14 days. The purpose of the dressings and cast or splint is to protect your surgical site and hold your foot and ankle in position after surgery.

When will I return for follow-up after foot or ankle surgery?

Your first post-operative visit will be scheduled approximately 7-14 days after the date of surgery. If no appointment time has been set up at the time of discharge from the hospital, please call (440) 885-1000 to schedule an appointment.

How much pain will I have after foot or ankle surgery?

Pain is a common occurrence after any type of surgery. Each patient tolerates pain differently. You will be sent home following your foot or ankle surgery with adequate pain medications. It is recommended to start your pain medications before the surgical block wears off, so your pain will be under control. Please monitor your pain level after surgery, as well as any adverse reaction to the medications. In addition, please ensure to keep any medications out of reach of any children or anyone living in your location of rehabilitation. Please call us at (440) 885-1000 if you are having any difficulty.

How active can I be after foot or ankle surgery?

In general, once you have been discharged from the hospital, you will not be able to put any weight on your foot and ankle. Your postoperative cast or splint is not made for walking. At one of your first follow-up visit, you will have the cast or splint changed and your weight-bearing activity changed based on your healing and procedure performed. Activities and increasing your weight-bearing is determined on an individual basis.

What should I be concerned about?

Pain that cannot be controlled with your post-operative pain medication, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, shortness of breath, chest pain, calf or thigh pain, or any other concerning symptoms should be addressed immediately either via the office phone call, (440) 885-1000, or through your local emergency department.

Please remember: Do NOT bear weight until you are told to do so; this could injure your foot or ankle or cause increased pain.

Contact Information:

Call to make your post-operative follow-up: (440) 885-1000

*For an emergency, report immediately to your local Emergency Department.